Slugger Nelson Cruz returns to Baltimore with Mariners

Seattle Mariners' Nelson Cruz winces as he hits a foul ball against the Boston Red Sox in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Friday, May 15, 2015, in Seattle. Cruz struck out on the at-bat. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Ted S. Warren

May 19, 2015

BALTIMORE (AP) Nelson Cruz returned to Camden Yards on Tuesday, his mind filled with memories of his one ''special'' season with the Baltimore Orioles.

Cruz led the majors with 40 home runs in 2014 and helped the Orioles win the AL East and a playoff series against the Detroit Tigers.

Baltimore got him at a bargain, a one-year deal for $8 million. After the pact expired, the Seattle Mariners lured the slugger away with a $58 million, four-year contract.

For the first time since Cruz and the Orioles parted ways, Cruz was back at Camden Yards, where Baltimore and the Mariners opened a three-game series.

His uniform was navy blue and northwest green, but his thoughts were orange and black.

''It was a blast,'' Cruz said of the 2014 season. ''We accomplished something very special as a team. We had a great time. Great organization, great teammates. They treated me very well.''

The Orioles hoped to have him back, but the Mariners' offer was too good to pass up.